Page 42 of Dark Desires

CHAPTER 14

ISABELLA

“You’re acting like she’s been gone for a year.” Mario’s leaning casually against the kitchen counter as he speaks.

The mansion feels way too quiet without Stephania. It always does. Even when we’re fighting, there’s something about her presence that keeps the place from feeling like a glorified museum.

I’m thrilled she’s coming home today, and I’ve already told Mario about it five times since breakfast.

Mario’s scrolling through his phone, probably checking security updates, because the guy never truly relaxes.

“She’s been gone for almost a week.” I pop a grape into my mouth. “Might as well be a year.”

He laughs. “You Mancinis and your dramatics.”

“Hey, don’t lump me in with Dad’s dramatics—or Steph’s seriousness. I’m the fun, laid-back one, remember?”

“Sure, you are.”

I throw a grape at him, which he dodges effortlessly. He’s been with our family for so long that I’m not sure if he was born with those reflexes or if they’re a side effect of his job. Either way, I’m glad he’s here.

“Admit it,” I say, leaning on the counter. “You’ve missed her, too.”

“Yeah, I have. Things are quieter without her.”

“A little too quiet. I mean, who am I supposed to gossip about you behind your back with if she’s not here?” I wink after I speak, letting him know I’m only messing around.

Mario snorts, but before he can say anything else, his phone buzzes. He checks it, his expression shifting to something more focused.

“They’re almost here. Let’s go out to greet them.”

“I’ll join you,” I say, straightening up. “Just give me a sec.”

He nods and heads toward the front door. Once he’s gone, I pull my phone out of my pocket and check it—again. Nothing. No missed calls. No texts. Not even a dumb reaction emoji. Alexei has gone completely silent on me since yesterday, and it’s driving me insane.

I tell myself it’s fine. If he’s going to keep me in the dark, then I’ll figure things out myself. I’ve always been good at handling my own messes, and this one’s no different.

I shove the phone back into my pocket and head outside.

Dad’s sleek luxury car glides up the driveway, and my heart races with excitement. My father steps out first, as polished asever, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. He moves to the passenger side and opens the door.

Stephania steps out, and just like that, everything else fades.

“Steph!” I scream, bolting toward her. She barely has time to brace herself before I slam into her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Isa!” she laughs, hugging me back just as fiercely. “God, I missed you.”

“You better have,” I say, pulling back to look at her. “You’re not allowed to leave me like that again. Understand?”

She smiles, but there’s a tiredness in her eyes that wasn’t there before. I want to say something, but Dad’s already coming around to join us.

“All right, Isa,” he says. “Let her breathe, huh? She’s been through enough.”

I roll my eyes with a smile but step back. “Fine. But only because you said please.”

“I didn’t.” There’s a hint of a smile as he places a hand on Stephania’s shoulder. “Come on, girls. Let’s get inside.”

Stephania and I are sitting at the kitchen island, munching on some pastries Maria, our cook, left out for us. She’s talking about how nice it is to be home finally, and I’m soaking up the sound of her voice.